Onboard Video

[jacktesterson]

Anyways, I am going to build a HTPC for my father similar to mine.

I am probably going to go with onboard video. He will be playing 720p MKV x264 encoded files and 720p/1080i blu rays, plus basic desktop use on a 1366*768 Sony Television.


He does no gaming. Is there any argument for putting a video card in his build?
I don't do any gaming with my rig either...and basically think the 4670 was a waste of money because I wanted to think I may want to game with it (but use my 360 all the time, prefer it).

I have used the HD3200 video on the 780g board and played around with it. It played 720 and 1080p x264 files fine with my system, tested with both 2GB and 4 GB of ram. So i've basically answered my own question....

but any argument for image quality, etc to put in a card? or even do the hybrid thing with a low end 3000 series card?

 

[Denithor]

780G or G45 chipset boards should handle his needs perfectly. No gaming involved means both will work fine. 780G + 5050e would be cheap and low power.